VC Brostrom: Voluntary separation option approved

10 April 2009

Dear Colleagues:

In my March 10 budget message to the campus and at the staff Town Hall last month, I said that we were working with the Office of the President to develop a voluntary separation program that could help our campus reduce expenses.

We have now received permission to go ahead with the program, and I am writing to give you the basic information about it. You can find detailed program guidelines at http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/scro/vso.htm.

If you are considering separating or retiring from the University, I encourage you to consider applying for the program.

The UC Berkeley Voluntary Separation Option (VSO) provides an opportunity for non-represented permanent career staff to apply for consideration. Under the guidelines of the program, if your application is accepted, you will receive a severance payment based on your classification and length of your service at UC.

If you separate from UC Berkeley under this program, you will agree not to seek re-employment at UC for at least three years. The program guidelines include detailed provisions about repayment of the severance payment if you are re-employed at any University location.

We plan to consider applications for the first 200 eligible employees who submit completed, signed applications. Unit managers will make the final decision about whether to accept an application, based on the business needs of the unit.

You will probably have a number of questions as you consider this opportunity. The program guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions at the website listed above include detailed information to answer those questions, including which positions are eligible to apply.

Human Resources is holding an information session on April 30 from 2:00-3:30 pm in the Toll Room at the Alumni House for those interested in the program who may have questions. If additional sessions are scheduled, they will be posted at the web address listed above.

The application period begins on April 13 and ends on May 8, 2009, and the effective date of separation under the program will be June 29, 2009.

We are pleased to offer this program as a way for employees to help the campus reduce staffing costs in the current difficult budget climate.